News Summary
The Preservation Society of Charleston honored 27 projects at the 71st Carolopolis Awards, highlighting significant contributions to historic preservation. This year’s awards recognize innovative preservation efforts, including non-traditional properties like restaurants and churches. Notable honorees were King BBQ and the Starlight Motor Inn, reflecting a broader focus on maintaining Charleston’s cultural heritage. The ceremony stressed the importance of historic tax credits in supporting these efforts, alongside a call for future nominations to encourage community participation in preservation initiatives.
Charleston—The Preservation Society of Charleston celebrated the 71st annual Carolopolis Awards on March 1, 2025, recognizing 27 projects for their outstanding preservation efforts, marking the highest number of honorees since 1995. The Carolopolis Awards, first established in 1953, aim to acknowledge significant contributions to historic preservation in Charleston and its surrounding areas, facilitating public awareness and appreciation of local heritage.
This year’s ceremony included notable recipients such as King BBQ in North Charleston, which received recognition in the Exterior category for its innovative preservation effort that combined a deli and a church at its location on Carver Avenue. This approach exemplifies a new trend in the awards, expanding the scope to acknowledge non-traditional properties like restaurants and houses of worship.
Other distinguished winners included the Starlight Motor Inn in North Charleston, which completed renovations in 2023 reflecting mid-century modern architecture, and the Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church on Daniel Island, making history as the first property on the island to receive this prestigious award. The church’s design, inspired by Neo-Gothic architecture, integrates elements from other historic Charleston churches, ensuring compatibility with the local architectural narrative.
Significant Renovations and Recognitions
Two properties at 2029 Carver Avenue and 3324 Rivers Avenue owned by Senator Ed Sutton, D-Charleston, were also acknowledged for their three-year renovation that prevented demolition. This extensive project was described as a massive overhaul, repurposing the buildings to serve as a local restaurant and a mentoring nonprofit for youth in the community.
Shifting Focus of Preservation
The 2025 Carolopolis Awards reflect a broader shift in preservation focus, including less-represented entities in Charleston’s historic landscape. The Preservation Society of Charleston aims to enhance public understanding of historic preservation efforts in these often-overlooked domains. This year highlighted a significant trend toward recognizing the value that restaurants, churches, and similar establishments have in maintaining the cultural fabric of the city.
Importance of Historic Preservation
The awards also draw attention to the increasing need for historic tax credits to support preservation projects, particularly in a context where federal and state budgets are tightening. With many preservation projects relying on these financial aids, the program’s director noted that the Carolopolis Awards serve not only as a platform for recognition but also as an educational initiative stressing the vital role of historic preservation in maintaining Charleston’s identity.
Future Nominations
Looking ahead, the Carolopolis Awards are currently accepting nominations for future recipients, with the nomination period set to continue through the fall season. This initiative encourages local stakeholders and community members to put forward projects that exemplify dedication to the preservation of Charleston’s historical heritage.
In conclusion, the 2025 Carolopolis Awards ceremony marked an important milestone in local preservation efforts, celebrating the diverse architectural landscape of Charleston while fostering a deeper appreciation for historical significance within the community. The recognition of varied projects reflects a broader understanding of what constitutes historical worth, ensuring that the narrative of Charleston’s past continues to thrive in the present.
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New Restaurants Open in Charleston and Lowcountry
Charleston Celebrates Record-Breaking Carolopolis Awards Ceremony
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Carolopolis Awards Historic Preservation Charleston Homes
- ABC News 4: 27 Awards Handed Out at 71st Carolopolis Awards
- CHS Today: Carolopolis Award Winners Preserving History in Charleston
- Ground Break Carolinas: Boone Hall Plantation’s Historic Cotton Gin Renovation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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